A Dead Summer

CINCO: THE DUNGEON AND EVERYTHING WITHIN

"Don't judge my story by the chapters you walk in.."

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[Santa's]

It's dark.

Everything around me is darkness. In normal days I might just shrug it off. But this darkness around me cannot calm me down. This place screams of wickedness the same length the king is releasing. It is evil.

I sighed heavily while roaming my eyes around. I never thought that I'll be in this kind of situation. I don't know if I will make it out here. Clearly, this place isn't here just for a joke. And yeah, its serving its purpose. But dammit I'm not supposedly here!!

"Snap out of that Mam. This place might render you insane."

A voice from my front startled me. I never thought that there is someone else here other that me. I squinted my eyes and look ahead of me. And there, another cell, smaller than mine with a bearded guy inside.

"Who are you? And what are you talking about?" I asked him confusely.

"I am Ethan. A criminal. This place is called gloom, the third dungeon of this kingdom and king's most like one." he answered wryly.

"What's with this place then? It scream of evilness." I uttered softly.

"That's why this is the king's favorite. This place represent his majesty. Evil.

So I suggest for you and gather up yourself. This place might render you insane." he said humorlessly.

"I actually sense it. But I'm not dumb to be eaten by that. And besides I experienced the king's eeriness first hand. This place is nothing compared to him."

The guy look at me in awe. Oh? He didn't expect that. So this dungeon is really that dangerous.

"You're the first one who escape this chamber's torture. Well, those earthlings can actually snap of this too after some time. But still, its new to see someone who's not affected of this place." he said.

Earthling? Did he say Earthling? There's human here.

"You say Earthling? Is there any human here?" I asked hoping. I might find a way out if I talk to them.

"Of course. There are at least sixteen humans here. But they are not in this place anymore. They are transferred in the higher cell. The only one left here is you and our group." he answered.

"I have to talk to them. They might know how will I get out of this kingdom. This place will surely kill me."

"Oh, you're a human? But you can't leave this dungeon anymore.. With that kind of mana this kingdom will never let you go. You are a treasure chest, literally." he spat emotionlessly.

"Why? What's with this kingdom?" I curiously ask him.

"This kingdom is a demon's laire. All the mana restored in this kingdom is being swallowed by darkness. If not because of the grand prince and his power this place is surely nothing now. And you, you're a possible source of uncountable mana. A tool. Yeah, a power tool." he answered cheekily.

I suddenly had some goosebump. So that's why. The king is screaming of evil aura and everyone around him is oblivious of that, even that prince. But as what this guy said he is powerful. And I actually felt that. Funny but, he shines like the sun. He's actually glittering. But why he didn't felt that?

"You're spacing out, Mam. "

"I'm sorry. But I was supposedly not here. I am not a witch. But what can I do? This is my fate now." I said sadly almost crying.

"I pity you. But you can still leave this world. The prince is a powerful Mirrenian. His power can open up any dimension. And with your mana, the both of you might be able to connect those dimensions and create a portal." he said softly.

"That prince, what actually power does he possess? This is funny, but maybe its time for me to believe. I am not in my world anymore." I asked tearing up.

"He is a righteous prince, but never the favored one. He and his mother is the kindest person in this kingdom. Her majesty, the queen, is once a concubine who possess the power of fire of purity. That's why she was hated. Her ability is supposedly a myth until her. And her son, the prince, possess a power that should be only in myth. The light magic and the copy. He is a literal myth." he answered with evident fondness in his eyes and voice.

" He got two ability. But if the queen got that fire of purity, why can't she feel the evilness of the king? I am sure he is possessed. He smells of burns and shit." I uttered in confuse.

"She knew. She just can't do anything about it. The king is holding her as a prison. Besides, she's not the rightful queen. The real queen was killed by the demon inside the king's body. It was actually a strategy to keep the queen's power."

I look away from him. This thing suddenly turns more confusing. Being here will not keep me alive. I should do something to leave this place.

"Is it possible to create a portal in this kingdom?" I asked him. Cause if I'm right, this place is actually dying.

"No. This place won't be suitable. The evilness of the kingdom will surely eat your mana. There's only one place where you can open up a portal. The portal of Sidenia. It is the safest place in this world." he answered dryly.

"And where is that?"

"East of the kingdom of Reeve is a nameless territory. Nine full moon from now will be the third blood moon of the year, in that time the portal will open up in that place." he said.

I think of it hard. If I wanted to leave this kingdom I have to be near that grand prince. But he's the reason why I am branded as a witch and thrown here. So how in earth will I able to accomplish such task in a short period of time?

"If you want to leave this place, pray on the goddess of fate that you're verdict will be on your favor. That's the only chance you have to escape you're death." he said emotionlessly sending shiver down to my spine.

I need to think. I have to prove myself innocent. That's the only way that I know so I will be able to get out of this place. I have to know everything about that portal. This is my only chance.

I close my eyes and breathe. I never thought that my curse bear a bigger pain. Tsk. Unbelievable!

*********Belle